Looking At French Decorative Arts: The Quest For True Porcelain

Young scholars compare the role of a marchand-mercier to that of a modern-day business counterpart and write a persuasive letter. In this French art lesson, students discuss the role of the marchand-mercier in French design and role-play...

What inspires furniture designers? As learners of all ages view examples of woodworking used in French and American furniture, they discuss woodworkers' techniques and inspirations. They identify techniques such as veneering and...

Combine art and science with an activity that has kids gathering items from their environment to include in the decorative paper they create.

Learners imagine they are a 'marchand-mercier' (or salesman) and write a persuasive letter to sell French items. In this art analysis lesson, students identify the role of a 'marchand-mercier' and write a three-paragraph letter to sell...

Young scholars examine the style of an 18th-century compound microscope and its case. In this scientific design lesson plan, students look at Jacques Caffieri's, "Compound Microscope and Case" before comparing the design to a modern...

Students study a French cabinet, then research and discuss its symbols. They create their own marquetry design based on an animal symbol from another country.

What do virtual reality and cave paintings have in common? Scholars ponder this question while examining a 360-degree-view video about 40,000 year old French cave paintings. Rich extension materials allow inquiry into deeper questions...

Take a look at the French Revolution and neo-classic art, then compare it to current social issues and contemporary art. Kids analyze several pieces painted by Jacques-Louis David in regard to style and subject then compare them to...

Upper graders take a critical look at art criticism, music, and politics. They watch one segment of "True Spin," produced by VH1 music television and then discuss myths that relate to art and music. Several modern songs are analyzed...

Students study symbols on a French cabinet. In this architectural design lesson, students examine the symbolism of the door panel on the "Cabinet on Stand." Students create their own unique design based on a symbol from another country.